What are the experiences of new graduate registered nurses transitioning into working in residential aged care homes? A qualitative systematic review

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this qualitative systematic review is to critically appraise and synthesise the literature regarding the experiences of new graduate registered nurses (NGRN) in their transition to working in residential aged care homes (RACHs). INTRODUCTION: New graduate registered nurses who transition into RACHs post qualification may be exposed to an unfamiliar environment. In Australia, pre-registration programs focus on the preparation of graduates to work in acute settings, such as hospitals. Aged care homes have a unique practice and regulatory environment that would be unfamiliar unless the NGRN have worked in these homes before or during their registration program. INCLUSION CRITERIA: Studies that involved NGRN of any age, gender or cultural background, working in RACHs and in their first-year post-registration practice were included. New graduate registered nurses in other healthcare areas such as hospitals, community care, private practice and others were excluded. METHODS: The review followed the methodology of the Joanna Briggs Institute guidance for qualitative systematic reviews. Six databases were searched in November 2023: CINAHL, PubMed, Medline, Embase, PsycINFO, and Scopus. Only qualitative peer-reviewed articles written in the English language were included. Studies meeting the selection criteria were uploaded into Covidence, screened and appraised by two independent reviewers. FINDINGS: A total of 185 articles were selected and screened by title and abstract. Of these, 12 were selected for full-text review and three were selected for inclusion. Common across the three studies was that there was no formal program to support the new graduate registered nurse, nor a senior clinician to offer advice or support, which led to NGRN seeking advice from less qualified staff.